District of Oregon
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mexican National Sentenced for Trafficking over 70 FirearmsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican man who was a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration status was sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking firearms, announced Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Vincente Cortes Quiroz, 37, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, investigators learned that Quiroz acquired over 120 firearms in Oregon since 2014 from licensed firearms dealers. Quiroz lied by stating he was a United States citizen on many of the firearm purchase forms. Over 70 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized from Quiroz’s residence. Two vehicles Quiroz used in his crime were also seized.
“Getting illegal firearms off the streets is a top priority. Through our collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we removed more than 70 illegal guns, making our community safer,” said Scott E. Bradford.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem Police Department, the WIN HIDTA Taskforce, the Washington County Community Violence Reduction Team (CoVRT), the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Sheridan Fire District. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arin C. Heinz, Jessica Keefer, and Julia Jarrett.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.
Seaside Postmaster Charged with Distribution & Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—The Seaside, Oregon, Postmaster has been charged with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and production of obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Ryan Sherman, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint and made his initial appearance in federal court today.
According to court documents, Sherman was in possession of dozens of images and videos of child sexual abuse material. In addition to possessing images and videos Sheman produced obscene child sexual abuse images for people he talked to on the internet, taking innocuous photographs of children and using artificial intelligence (AI) to turn them into obscene images. Sherman exchanged child abuse material on SimpleX with other members of a chat group. When asked by an individual seeking obscene images whether he had any limit to the images he would or could create, defendant bragged that he had “none.” Sherman occupies a position of trust as the Postmaster for Seaside, Oregon.
On August 25, 2026, Sherman was arrested in Seaside, Oregon.
Sherman made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
The FBI and Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case, with assistance from the Seaside Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Geiling is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Extradited Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican man was sentenced to federal prison today for drug distribution.
Abel Resendiz-Villa, 42, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. This sentencing was significantly delayed because the defendant fled to Mexico before his previous sentencing hearing, in violation of his plea agreement. He was later found in Mexico and successfully extradited to the U.S. The United States Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force for the District of Oregon provided critical information with its Mexico Foreign Field Office to locate and extradite Abel Resendiz-Villa.
“Resendiz-Villa tried to escape the consequences of his criminal choices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office sees their cases through. As seen in this case, even fleeing the country won’t allow drug dealers to flee consequences,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
“As was the case in this criminal investigation, drug traffickers who poison our communities with deadly fentanyl will be held accountable in a court of law. The DEA and our law enforcement partners and prosecutors remain steadfast in our commitment to keep communities safe from fentanyl by reducing demand, cutting off drug supply chains, and saving American lives,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division.
According to court documents, Resendiz-Villa trafficked meth, heroin, and counterfeit oxycodone pills into the U.S. From on or about July 26, 2020, to, on or about July 30, 2020, Resendiz-Villa smuggled drugs in the U.S. to be sold and distributed in Portland. Resendiz-Villa was arrested on August 29, 2020, crossing the U.S.-Mexico border on a motorcycle. Resendiz-Villa possessed 4.5 kilograms of heroin concealed in his motorcycle and helmet.
On July 25, 2022, Resendiz-Villa pleaded guilty to conspiracy with intent to distribute controlled substances. On January 6, 2023, Resendiz-Villa failed to appear for sentencing, and the court issued a warrant for his arrest.
On February 20, 2026, Resendiz-Villa was arrested by Mexican authorities on the warrant in Tijuana, Mexico. He was detained at his initial appearance after this re-arrest.
On August 20, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment on Resendiz-Villa and his co-defendants. Resendiz-Villa was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances, to use a communication facility and to maintain drug-involved premises.
This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney.
The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics and fugitive task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations while locating and arresting violent fugitives and criminals. This is accomplished while using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. The task force is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon State Police and covers the Districts of Alaska, Oregon, Eastern Washington, and Western Washington.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, in Partnership with Federal and Local Law Enforcement, Targets Fentanyl Trafficking in Downtown PortlandRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced in a press conference today that, over the past three years, federal charges have been brought against more than 100 defendants for trafficking fentanyl in downtown Portland. Those arrests included seizures of more than 40 guns.
Starting in 2023, at a time when open-air drug markets were commonplace in downtown Portland and the county and state systems were unable to hold and prosecute these street-level fentanyl dealers, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) stepped in to federally prosecute fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland.
A unique aspect of this partnership involved a dedicated team that included an FBI special agent, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, PPB’s Bike Squad, and PPB’s Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) going on late-night missions to target fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland.
As a result, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged more than 100 defendants for selling fentanyl in downtown Portland. Of these defendants, over 80% were illegal aliens from Honduras and Mexico unlawfully residing in Oregon. These cases have resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of fentanyl, 40 guns, and $1.3 million in proceeds. That is enough fentanyl to kill 50 million people, or Oregon’s population, 11 times.
After this project began additional law enforcement agencies became involved as dealers move from downtown to other areas. It has continued to be a growing partnership with local, state, and federal stakeholders in the broader Portland region.
“Our message is simple,” U.S. Attorney Bradford said, “if you are dealing fentanyl in downtown Portland, you will be arrested, federally prosecuted, and go to federal prison.” U.S. Attorney Bradford noted, “Three years ago, downtown Portland had notorious open-air drug markets and was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Downtown fentanyl dealers, many of whom were armed, were contributing to higher crime rates and overdoses. To many people, downtown Portland simply felt unsafe – and it was. As a result of these joint efforts, we are changing that.” U.S. Attorney Bradford emphasized, “Our coordinated and dynamic law enforcement response, with local, county, state, and federal partners, is making a difference in downtown Portland—reducing fentanyl trafficking, violent crime, and overdoses. We will continue to work with our partners to make Portland safe.”
“Our partnerships with the Portland Police Bureau, the Multnomah and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Offices, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office make all of this possible," said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “To anyone dealing dangerous drugs downtown: it’s not a matter of if we catch you—it's when.”
A summary of a few of these downtown fentanyl cases are listed below:
United States v. Luis Carlos Moreno-Mencia, Case No. 3:23-cr-354
On December 9, 2024, Luis Carlos Moreno-Mencia pled guilty to possession with the intent to Distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
According to court documents, on or about September 28, 2023, Moreno-Mencia possessed approximately 167 grams of fentanyl for purposes of further distribution. Moreno-Mencia also possessed a firearm.
On March 3, 2025, Moreno-Mencia was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.
United States v. Olvin Fabricio Diaz-Centeno, Case No. 3:23-cr-00301
On October 3, 2024, Olvin Fabricio Diaz-Centeno pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, Diaz-Centeno was working with others distributing fentanyl, in both powder and pills, within the greater Portland metropolitan area. On or about September 6, 2023, Diaz-Centeno and his co-defendant were arrested and a search of the vehicle they were in resulted in the seizure of approximately 1.2 kilograms of counterfeit M30 pills manufactured with fentanyl and 1 kilogram of Super Mannitol, a cutting agent used to mix with fentanyl for purposes of further distribution. A search of a storage unit Diaz-Centeno and co-defendant maintained resulted in the seizure of approximately 460 grams of counterfeit M30 pills manufactured with fentanyl and 2.1 kilograms of powdered fentanyl, as well as additional Super Mannitol. A search of their residence resulted in the seizure of three pistols; ammunition; and equipment for processing fentanyl for purposes of further distribution, to include vice presses, a scale, masks, Super Mannitol, and a blender.
On December 13, 2024, Diaz-Centeno was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.
United States v. Bexon Calix-Rivera, Case No. 3:24-cr-00232
On March 12, 2025, Bexon Calix-Rivera pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, from January 2023 through to June 2024 Calix-Rivera was arrested by police on multiple occasions.
On June 4, 2024, PPB officers recognized Calix-Rivera from the encounter ten days prior. Officers observed Calix-Rivera carrying a hatchet and engaged in hand-to-hand drug transactions in downtown Portland. Officers attempted to detain Calix-Rivera, but he fled on foot. When officers apprehended Calix-Rivera, they seized fentanyl powder, a firearm, and $755 in cash. PPB officers booked Calix-Rivera in the Multnomah County Jail, and he was released the same day.
On June 11, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Calix-Rivera with possession of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On October 28, 2024 he made his initial appearance on the federal charges and remained in custody.
On June 5, 2025, Calix-Rivera was sentenced to 78months imprisonment, followed by 4 years supervised release. pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.
United States v. Cristian Laines-Hernandez, Case No. 3:25-cr-00405
On January 15, 2026, Cristian Laines-Hernandez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, January 18, 2025, Laines possessed to distribute 45 bags of prepackaged fentanyl which weighed approximately 339 grams. He was arrested on state charges and released from custody on January 22, 2025. On September 8, 2025, as part of a separate drug trafficking investigation, Laines was arrested by officers from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation’s Unit on federal charges. The state case was adopted for federal prosecution. The defendant was held in federal custody since the September 8, 2025, federal arrest.
On May 11, 2026, Laines was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.
United States v. Matthew Eugene Garlock, Case No. 3:25-cr-00164
On May 27,2026, Matthew Eugene Garlock pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, beginning on or about January 19, 2025, and continuing until on or about April 4, 2025, Garlock sold fentanyl in downtown Portland. Despite multiple arrests by local law enforcement, he continued distributing fentanyl. On each occasion he was arrested his fentanyl and firearm would be seized and he would then go out and acquire additional fentanyl to sell and an additional firearm for protection. A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of three pistols; ammunition; and equipment for processing fentanyl for further distribution, to include vice presses, a scale, masks, Super Mannitol, and a blender. On April 7, 2025, Garlock made his initial appearance on federal charges and was detained.
Garlock is in custody and scheduled for sentencing.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.
Portland Metro Area Roundtable Held on Fentanyl and Methamphetamine with HIDTA and HSTFRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford in partnership with the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA) and the Portland Homeland Security Taskforce hosted a roundtable with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners on fentanyl and methamphetamine, the two greatest drug threats to our local communities.
At this HIDTA and HSTF roundtable, key stakeholders discussed recent successes and ways to build upon them, including increasing the arrests and prosecutions of local fentanyl and methamphetamine dealers, emphasizing overdose investigations and prosecutions, and investigating and prosecuting individuals laundering proceeds for drug traffickers and cartels. These roundtables improve coordination and efforts to combat these dangerous drugs, leading to greater results for the community.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.
This project is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.
Man Posing as San Francisco 49er Charged with Defrauding over Two Dozen Women Out of More than $1.3 MillionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Two men have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, have been charged by criminal complaint in Portland, Oregon.
According to court documents, beginning in February 2022, Love and Chan created fictitious investments to defraud numerous women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California. Love met most of the women on the Internet through dating apps. Chan falsely posed as Love’s financial adviser to further gain their victims’ trust and demonstrate the validity of the investments. Love and Chan solicited money from the women through lies and misrepresentations. The scheme lasted until the day of Love and Chan’s arrests on August 24, 2026.
The scheme relied on Love’s creation of fictitious personas and display of a lavish lifestyle which Love presented to victims both in person and on social media websites. Love falsely portrayed himself as legitimately wealthy, often as an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers or as a wealthy real estate investor.
Love convinced many of the victims they were in sincere romantic relationships with Love, that he was a sophisticated investor, and that Chan was his investment adviser who helped Love grow a fortune worth tens of millions of dollars. Love had romantic relationships with many of the victims and told them he wanted to build wealth and a future together. Love advertised nonexistent investment vehicles and claimed these investments would generate massive returns for both him and his victims.
Love also used phone applications to create fictitious bank and investment accounts and balances which Love showed victims to legitimize the scheme.
Love and Chan also exchanged investment-related electronic communications in which Chan pretended to be Love’s investment adviser. Chan sent Love messages purportedly encouraging Love to invest in new opportunities. Love then sent screenshots of those messages to numerous victims to further convince them to send money to either Love or Chan. Chan and Love also hosted three-way FaceTime calls in which they showed victims falsified investment gains and encouraged victims to part with their money. Victims sent Love and Chan money due to their belief that their money would be invested in legitimate investment vehicles on the victims’ behalf. Some victims also loaned Love large amounts of money, if victims did not have cash to invest, Love sometimes instructed them to take out personal loans in both scenarios Love assured the victims that they would quickly be repaid.
Once victims had no more money to invest, or if they asked too many questions, Love blocked communication with them, but kept their money. Of the victims identified and interviewed, none reported receiving any proceeds, returns on their principle, or investment account information, after sending Love and Chan money. Financial records show Love and Chan received about $1.3 million from victim investors. 26 victims have been identified, the FBI believes there are many more victims.
Arrest warrants and a criminal complaint alleging conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud and were issued for both Love and Chan on August 17, 2026, in the District of Oregon. The FBI’s investigation revealed that on August 24, 2026, Chan flew from California to meet Love in Boise, Idaho. The FBI and other law enforcement apprehended both Love and Chan at the Boise Airport. Investigators learned that Love was in Idaho to meet new victims. Investigators learned that from July 15 through August 24, 2026, Love traveled to New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho.
Love has used several names including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love to perpetuate the scheme.
The FBI encourages anyone having information on Daejon Love or Taylor Chan to contact the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Both Love and Chan are in federal custody in Boise, Idaho, and will have their first court appearance on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
This case was investigated by The Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Chris Cardani for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Netarts Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Netarts, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.
Ciedric Royce Broussard, 42, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, on February 20, 2023, Tillamook County deputies and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers responded to a disturbance after Broussard threatened a victim with a firearm. Broussard refused to exit the home. After a standoff in the bathroom, law enforcement officers arrested Broussard. Law enforcement officers also recovered a gun with a fully loaded 31-round magazine. In total, 108 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the residence.
Broussard was initially charged in Tillamook County and was released the following day.
On April 4, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Broussard with felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition. On December 4, 2024, Broussard pleaded guilty to both charges.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis Burkhart.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax and Fraud CrimesRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Jacksonville, Oregon, man was sentenced today for tax evasion, employment tax crimes, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Joel Matthew Caswell, 32, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $1,198,799.83 in restitution to the IRS.
According to documents and statements made in court, Caswell owned and operated three logging and construction businesses that employed approximately 40 employees. From 2018 through 2022, Caswell withheld employment taxes from his employees’ pay and willfully failed to pay over these taxes to the IRS. Caswell attempted to evade these and other taxes by directing customers to write checks to another company or to him personally, moving business funds and lying to IRS collection officers.
Separately, between 2022 and 2024, Caswell executed multiple fraud schemes that involved submitting fabricated financial records to a bank, a private lender, and the Small Business Administration to secure loans. For example, Caswell submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications for these three logging and construction businesses. He transferred $70,000 of the proceeds from his scheme to be used as a deposit for an ultimate frisbee tournament. Caswell also used the personal identifying information of another person to obtain a residential mortgage.
On June 9, 2026, Caswell pleaded guilty to three counts of tax evasion, three counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes, one count of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell of the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney J. Parker Gochenour of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Portland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Use of a Firearm in Interstate Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison today for interstate domestic violence and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Carlos Miscoot, 28, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
“Domestic violence cases are incredibly serious and important to me,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “Domestic violence removes safety from the home and places victims in constant fear. Gun use significantly increases danger. This woman made clear this relationship was over, but Miscoot sought to continue to control and abuse her. We stopped that and are grateful the victim was able to seek help after this horrific crime.”
According to court documents, Miscoot abducted his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint on November 2, 2023. Miscoot and the victim had been broken up for about a year, though Miscoot continued to call, text, and show up at her home unannounced after the relationship ended. On November 2, 2023, Miscoot arranged with the victim to meet outside her home to get back some of his belongings. At her home, Miscoot pulled out a gun and forced the victim into his car. Miscoot drove her across state lines into a remote area of Washington. During the drive, he continued to point the gun at her and made threatening statements. Miscoot parked in a wooded area and raped the victim, showing and firing the gun to keep her from resisting. After the rape, Miscoot drove the victim back to Portland while continuing to threaten her and warn her not to call the police. Miscoot returned uninvited to the victim’s home less than a week later, which resulted in his arrest.
On June 18, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 3-count indictment charging Miscoot with kidnapping, interstate domestic violence, and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On May 28, 2026, Miscoot pleaded guilty to interstate domestic violence and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick.
Gearhart Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gearhart, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexual exploitation of children and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Joseph Biamont, 36, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
“This defendant violated the victim’s privacy and trust and stole the innocence of a child. My office is proud to bring these cases and hold Biamont, and criminals like him, accountable,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford, “The trauma he caused these victims is immeasurable and long lasting. The 15 year sentence will not repair the harm but will prevent him from causing more harm for a long time.”
According to court documents, Biamont surreptitiously recorded a minor victim for years. He took extraordinary steps to hide his actions and placed cameras in places where he could capture videos of the minor nude. Biamont possessed 71 videos of this victim that depict child sexual abuse material. He also possessed videos of other children’s child sexual abuse material.
On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count indictment charging Biamont with five counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. He was arrested on those charges on May 15, 2025 in Seaside, Oregon.
On February 24, 2026, Biamont pled guilty to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Gearhart Police Department, and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez .
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
Estacada Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of over 250 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—An Estacada, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Anthony Barrera, 31, was sentenced to 171 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release.
“We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigations to hold drug dealers accountable and stop this huge influx of deadly drugs into our Oregon communities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
According to court documents, during an investigation of an alleged drug trafficker, later identified as Barrera, investigators learned Barrera rented a vehicle and traveled to California to pick up large quantities of drugs to distribute and sell in Oregon.
On May 24, 2025, officers located Barrera driving the rental vehicle northbound on Interstate 5 and followed him to a rest area near Roseburg, Oregon, where Barrera was arrested. Agents seized 270 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of cocaine, which were concealed in the backseat and cargo area of the vehicle.
This was one of the largest drug seizures in Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit’s (MCSO SIU) history.
In addition, Barrera had $2,860 in cash and three cellphones which were seized.
After his arrest, Barrera told law enforcement that he sold drugs to sustain a living. He further admitted to traveling to Southern California to pick up drugs an estimated three times in 2025. A search of the defendant’s residence revealed a revolver and a pistol under a removable piece of flooring in the defendant’s bedroom closet, as well as four gold bars which were later determined to be counterfeit. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on supervision for a driving under the influence conviction in Multnomah County.
On May 24, 2025, Barrera was arrested in Roseburg after re-entering Oregon.
On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Barrera with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and felon in possession of a firearm.
On March 10, 2026, Barrera pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by MCSO SIU, and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Keefer.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Albany Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Receive Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.— An Albany, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for attempting to receive child sexual abuse material from an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a child online.
Paul Chapple, 62, was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison and a 10-year term of supervised release.
According to court documents, Chapple engaged in sexual chats online with multiple people he thought were girls under the age of 15. One of the “girls” was an undercover agent with the FBI who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. Chapple sent sexual images, discussed driving cross-country to meet, and asked for child sexual abuse images. Chapple used Meet24, with a user profile stating he was 50 years old and displaying his own photograph.
On October 8, 2025, Chapple was charged with using a minor to produce visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct, possession and receipt of child pornography, and enticement of a minor. That day, the FBI searched a shared housing complex where Chapple lived. Chapple possessed several images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material and numerous chats with self-identified minors in which he requested child sexual abuse material. Chapple was arrested and made his first appearance in federal court on October 9, 2025.
On June 17, 2026, Chapple pleaded guilty to attempted receipt of child pornography.
This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Lakeside Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Lakeside, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Bradley Vernon Mullanix, 50, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
According to court documents, on February 5th Mullanix purchased two pounds of Methamphetamine from an undercover agent, believing he was a drug dealer. Mullanix paid $2,400 for the drugs and intended to sell them. Upon placing the drugs on a scale, he was arrested.
Mullanix previously illegally possessed and sold firearms in June 2024. Mullanix sold the firearms to a confidential informant. Those firearms were seized by law enforcement and will be forfeited.
On February 6, 2025, Mullanix was charged by criminal complaint with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On May 14, 2026, Mullanix pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by ATF and the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh.
Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Eduardo Misael Garcia-Sanchez, 29, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and 4 years’ supervised release announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. In imposing the sentence, the court found that the defendant, based upon his prior drug dealing convictions, qualified as a career offender.
“This case showed true teamwork amongst our law enforcement agencies to bring this drug dealer to justice. I am grateful for the partnership and hard work of our law enforcement. With these brave men and women, we are able to disrupt the distribution of dangerous drugs in our Oregon communities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
According to court documents, On August 5, 2025, investigators with Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) were investigating a Portland, Oregon area drug dealer. During the investigation, a vehicle operated by Garcia-Sanchez was identified as likely supplying various drug dealers. Investigators followed Garcia-Sachez’ vehicle as it travelled out of Portland, Oregon. An Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper was able to conduct a traffic stop of Garcia-Sanchez. During the stop investigators observed a large bundle of cash and apparent heroin in the vehicle.Investigators then placed Garcia-Sanchez in custody. Garcia-Sanchez’ vehicle contained a clear plastic bag underneath the driver’s seat containing approximately 10 individual bindles of fentanyl, which appeared pre-packaged for sale. Investigators recovered from the vehicle the approximate totals of; 120.9 grams of fentanyl powder, 51.8 grams of heroin, and $5,349 in U.S. Currency.
Following the seizure and arrest, Garcia-Sanchez was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland, Oregon and placed on a federal hold for these offenses.
On May 12, 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment which charged him with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
On September 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Garcia-Sanchez with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
This case was investigated by FBI and CCITF with assistance from OSP. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin.
The Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) — led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office — works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force comprises members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by funding from the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.Honduran National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison today for distribution of fentanyl resulting in the fatal overdose death of a Portland man and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. Gomez-Soto had more than two prior deportations and a prior drug dealing conviction.
Hugo Gomez-Soto, 51, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.
“This case is a stark reminder of the danger fentanyl poses to our community. The defendant was peddling death, and this time it resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life.” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. Fentanyl is deadly and leaves devastation for families in its’ wake. As this case shows, my office will do everything we can to hold these merchants of death accountable for the destruction they cause to the community and pursue justice for the victims and their families.”
“While this sentence is truly justified, no amount of prison time and no amount of restitution will bring back a lost loved one,” said Acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “We want to thank our Portland Police Bureau partners for their work on this case. Together, we can make an impact against those like Mr. Gomez-Soto, who harm our communities with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.”
According to trial testimony, Gomez-Soto sold the victim illicit fentanyl, in the form of powder and counterfeit pills. The following day the victim, a 29-year-old resident of Southwest Portland, used some of the fentanyl and died moments later.On January 25, 2024, a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officer used the victim’s phone, pretending to be the victim, to buy drugs from Gomez-Soto. When Gomez-Soto arrived at the deal, he was arrested on state charges. At the time of the arrest, Gomez-Soto possessed both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
The police referred the case to the Multnomah District Attorney’s Office who charged Gomez-Soto with negligent homicide and multiple counts of delivery of a controlled substance.
On May 5, 2025, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office asked the U.S. Attorney’s Office to review the case for federal prosecution. On May 9, 2025, with the assistance of an Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and PPB, a federal criminal complaint was filed charging Gomez-Soto with the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Gomez-Soto with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On April 13, 2026, after a six-day trial, a federal jury found Gomez-Soto guilty of distributing fentanyl that resulted in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the PPB Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit with assistance from HSI and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Nicole Bockelman.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.U.S. Department of Justice Awards over $3 Million to Oregon Communities to Improve Public SafetyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component under the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, awarded over $3 Million in Fiscal Year 2025 to support Oregon’s state, local, and tribal governments in criminal justice activities to keep Oregon communities safe.
The awards, provided through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, represent the nation’s leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. Across the United States nearly $290 million was awarded. For more than 20 years, the JAG program has provided critical funding to support law enforcement’s ability to protect the communities they serve, supporting critical needs such as personnel, equipment and supplies, technology, training, information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, and other operational priorities. JAG funding also supports a wide range of programs that strengthen crime prevention efforts and enhance the effectiveness of prosecutors, courts, corrections agencies, and services for crime victims and witnesses.
In addition to foundational uses of JAG funds, specific areas of emphasis were included to the JAG funding opportunities highlighting and encouraging state and local jurisdictions to join federal law enforcement in addressing the most pressing public safety challenges. For Fiscal Year 2025, these areas of emphasis included combatting violent crime, immigration enforcement, safe communities, and safe houses of worship.
In Oregon for 2025 many of our cities received grant assistance to support their work in public safety.
All recipients for both state and local JAG awards can be found here.
About the Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime; promote fair and impartial administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking or SMART Office – can be found at ojp.gov.
Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Pleads Guilty to Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Mexican National unlawfully residing in the United States, Samuel Rodrigo Melo Santos, 27, pleaded guilty to alien in possession of a firearm, and making false statements in acquisition of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
According to court documents, in July 2025, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigators, as part of a compliance inspection, began reviewing ATF Form 4473, known as the Firearms Transaction Records, of a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Cave Junction, Oregon. ATF Form 4473 must be completed by the person who is purchasing a firearm. During the inspection, investigators observed repeated sales of the same make and model of firearm by a group of individuals sharing the same address in O’Brien and Medford, Oregon, indicative of firearms trafficking.
On ATF Form 4473, defendants wrote “Mexico” for place of birth and checked the box next to the United States for country of citizenship. An immigration query into Melo Santos, and his co-defendants, concluded they have no legal status and are residing unlawfully in the United States.
Melo Santos told law enforcement that he bought firearms and sold them to anyone, including people who couldn’t legally buy them. Melo Santos purchased 91 firearms for $56,448 between May 2024 and July 2025 and 40,000 rounds of ammunition. One of these firearms was later found in Mexico. As part of the plea agreement, Melo Santos agreed to forfeit any criminally derived proceeds and property used to facilitate his crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing
Melo Santos faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release. Melo Santos will be sentenced on October 9, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane.
On December 18, 2025, Melo Santos, and three co-defendants made their first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Co-defendants Samuel Amador Ortega, Aldo Melo Amador, and Oscar Amador Ortega are awaiting trial.
ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Springfield Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
Robert Eugene Josh Jr, 65, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release. 25 months of the sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to a separate case.
According to court documents, in January 2024, Josh Jr. possessed almost three pounds of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. In late January 2024, as part of a larger federal and state investigation, Eugene Police Department officers stopped Josh Jr.’s vehicle and located almost three pounds of methamphetamine. Josh Jr. told the officers he purchased the methamphetamine, was acting as a middleman, and was going to sell it to somebody else for a profit. Josh Jr. was also arrested for a shooting as part of a drug deal gone bad. Josh Jr. was convicted in Marion County Circuit Court of attempted assault I and unlawful use of a weapon. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison related to the shooting.
On May 5, 2026, Josh Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On June 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Josh Jr. with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Eugene Police Department and the Springfield Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Sweet.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Iranian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Iranian National residing in Coos Bay pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.
Mehrdad Gerami, Age 67, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.
According to court documents, from 2021 to the present, Gerami was the owner and operator of Coastal Diagnostic Testing Group (CDTG). CDTG operates out of Coos Bay, Brookings, Reedsport, Florence, and Roseburg, Oregon. He and his employees overcharged the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Veteran’s Health Administration (VA), and numerous private insurance companies for intensive, in-office sleep studies. CDTG billed for the more expensive in-office sleep studies when more inexpensive at-home sleep studies were actually conducted. Additionally, to generate more revenue in certain offices during months of low productivity, defendant instructed staff to falsely bill for sleep studies using patient information despite the studies never occurring on those dates. Gerami oversaw all aspects of the company’s operation and conspired with and directed employees to bill fraudulently. The estimated loss is $2,124,363.41.
On June 22, 2026, Gerami was charged by Information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Gerami faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release.
Gerami will be sentenced on January 26, 2027, before a U.S. district court judge.
As part of the plea agreement, Gerami has agreed to pay restitution in full to his victims.
This case was investigated by Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Huynh and Julia Jarrett are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Yamhill County Photographer Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Carlton, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for 8 counts of production of child sexual abuse material announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
Robert Koester, 59, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison and lifetime supervised release.
“Koester’s crimes against children are among the worst this district has seen. His violent abuse of these girls created scars they will carry their entire lives, and the images of that abuse will haunt them. I hope today’s sentence brings a measure of justice and healing for the victims. I am grateful for the work of the many investigative agencies that worked tirelessly to bring this terror against these teens to an end. The sentence of 40 years provides safety to Oregon and California and is emblematic of the violent crimes he committed.” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon
“Today’s sentence underscores how seriously the FBI and our partners take crimes against children,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Koester used his role as a photographer to gain the trust of young people who were simply looking for a chance to pursue their dreams, and he exploited that trust. The courage these victims showed in coming forward made this outcome possible, and we stand with them as they continue to heal. We’re grateful for the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in bringing this case to the finish line. What happened here caused real harm, and there is no place for this behavior in our community.”
According to court documents, Koester used his professional position as a photographer to meet and earn the trust of teenage girls who were pursuing careers in modeling. He exploited that trust by drugging, molesting, strangling, and raping the victims. He recorded much of this abuse and sold the child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to others.
Koester was a professional photographer who took photographs of aspiring models and did photography work for modeling agencies. Over the course of four years, from early 2015 through late 2018, Koester lured numerous teenage girls to his residence and other locations across California and Oregon. He enticed the girls with the promise of a career in the fashion industry through his modeling agency, Frank Model Management. He encouraged them to travel to his residence in Oregon, even paying for their flights. The children would stay in his residence for multiple days and participate in photo shoots.
During this time, Koester offered the victims alcohol and drugs, including marijuana and cocaine. He coerced them to do nude photo shoots by first showing them images of naked models, then convincing them to remove their clothes. He photographed the victims in revealing positions, sometimes using hidden cameras to capture more explicit angles without the victims’ knowledge. Koester further used GHB and other intoxicants to drug the girls, rendering them unconscious. He then abused the unconscious children sexually and physically and recorded the assaults. Koester often became violent in these assaults, strangling and slapping the girls. After the drugged assaults, he left the victims to wake up alone. Some of the victims were also coerced into engaging in sexual acts with him while awake. He recorded this abuse as well. Koester maintained a large collection of this self-produced CSAM, which included thousands of images. Koester was in his late forties and early fifties when these crimes occurred, and the girls were as young as fifteen.
Multiple children reported that Koester showed them the images of their own abuse and laugh while displaying the images of the abusive acts to them.
In addition to criminally prosecuting Koester, the U.S. Attorney’s Office forfeited his Oregon residence in a civil forfeiture case, netting $750,000 in the sale. The criminal case also forfeited a large amount of photographic and digital equipment.
On November 13, 2018, Koester was arrested by California authorities.
Koester has pleaded guilty to related conduct in San Diego, California, and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Koester also pleaded guilty to related conduct in Yamhill County, Oregon, and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He will serve those sentences concurrently with the federal sentence imposed today.
On July 16, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count indictment charging Koester with production of child sexual abuse material.
On August 19, 2020, Oregon adopted, from the District of Southern California, a 2-count information charging Koester with production of child sexual abuse material.
On March 10, 2026, Koester pleaded guilty to all 8 counts of production of child sexual abuse material in the two federal cases.
This case was investigated by FBI San Diego, FBI Portland, Carlsbad Police Department, and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Sussman, Kate Rochat, Mira Chernick, and Julia Jarett.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
Umatilla County Man Sentenced in Armed Casino RobberyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Umatilla County man was sentenced to federal prison today for interference with commerce by robbery, felon in possession of a firearm with an armed career criminal enhancement, and attempt to commit murder.
Javier Vigil, 55, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $2,040.71 in restitution to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation.
“Vigil gambled and lost when he chose to rob this casino with a gun. His violent actions endangered innocent employees, patrons, and a law enforcement officer. He deserved and received the full consequences under federal law. Our tribal communities are incredibly important to me, and I will use every available federal resource to protect them and pursue justice on their behalf. I am also extremely grateful to the law enforcement officer, who risked his life that day to stop this defendant from harming anyone else.” Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney
According to court documents, on August 17, 2022, Javier Vigil went to the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, in Pendleton, Oregon and passed a note demanding $1,000,000 from the cash cage teller. He then drew a pistol and pointed it at the teller. While the tellers gathered cash, he made threatening statements.
After he received over $69,000, he walked out of the casino.
Upon seeing a tribal police officer Vigil raised his firearm and shot at the officer.
Vigil and the officer exchanged gunfire, which resulted in Vigil being shot and falling to the ground. Vigil was then arrested on federal charges for this crime. A bystander outside the casino was also injured from a stray bullet.
Investigators learned that Vigil acquired the firearm around August 3, 2022, about two weeks prior to the robbery and shooting.
On December 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count superseding indictment charging Vigil with interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, felon in possession of a firearm with an armed career criminal enhancement, attempt to commit murder, and assault with a dangerous weapon.
On April 7, 2026, on the second day of trial, Vigil pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery, felon in possession of a firearm with an armed career criminal enhancement, and attempt to commit murder.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department, with the assistance of ATF, the Hermiston Police Department, the Pendleton Police Department, Oregon State Police, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassady Adams and Arin Heinz prosecuted the case.
Oregon Department of Corrections Officer Charged with CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging an Oregon Department of Corrections Officer with cyberstalking his ex-girlfriend from January 2024 to October 2024.
According to court documents, following a breakup with the victim, Jack Daniel Rowlett, 46, created fake social media profiles on Facebook, posing as other men. Using the fake profiles, Rowlett posted offensive and degrading claims about the victim, including false claims about the victim’s sexual history with the men depicted in the fake accounts. The posts caused the victim significant emotional distress and reputational harm. When the victim sought a protective order in state court against Rowlett for making the harassing posts, Rowlett fought the protective order and denied responsibility for the conduct. Through the federal investigation Rowlett has now been linked to the posts he denied responsibility for.
Rowlett made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending further court proceedings.
If convicted, Rowlett faces a maximum of five years in federal prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
The FBI investigated the case. The Oregon Department of Corrections cooperated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arin C. Heinz and Natasha M. Geiling are prosecuting the case.
Private Tutor Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Beaverton, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually exploiting a child online.
Erlend Secret Vikar aka Joshua Evan Huff, 41, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 30 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to one of the victims.
“Internet crimes that exploit children are deplorable and lead to long-term impacts to the children who are targeted and victimized,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s 15-year sentence reflects that seriousness. Our office is dedicated to protecting children from these insidious crimes.”
According to court documents, from around November 2022 through August 2023, Vikar messaged and video chatted with a 16-year-old child who lives in Germany, coercing her to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Vikar met the victim on Reddit and later communicated with the child on Discord. He was able to gain the victim’s trust and then sent the victim pornographic videos and photos and coerced the minor to send him sexually explicit photos and videos. Many of the videos he received of the minor were made according to his requests. He further coerced the victim to contact other men online. Vikar, who had legally changed his name from Joshua Evan Huff is believed to have worked as a Private Tutor in Beaverton.
Vikar was arrested in October 2024 in Cloverdale, Virginia.
On November 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Erlend Vikar with coercion and enticement of a minor and sexual exploitation of children.
On April 27, 2026, Vikar pleaded guilty to the charge sexual exploitation of children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Portland Woman Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, woman pleaded guilty on July 23, 2026, for assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Oriana Korol, 39, pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging assault of a federal officer.
According to court documents, on October 12, 2025, federal officers were clearing the driveway of an ICE facility in South Portland to allow employees to exit. While law enforcement was arresting another person a short distance away from the property, Korol interfered with the arrest of that person and, after being moved away from the arrest, kicked a federal officer.
Korol faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. She will be sentenced on August 24, 2026, before a U.S. magistrate court judge.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The Federal Protective Service is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.
Portland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for possessing child sexual abuse material.
Walter Albert Sebaste, 41, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release.
“Crimes against children are a priority for my office. Children are the future of our nation. Their abuse is magnified when it is recorded and accessed by criminals such as Walter Sebaste,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s sentence is a reflection of the serious harm caused every time a child’s abuse is viewed, and the culmination of the hard work of the FBI and our office to hold abusers accountable.”
“Today’s sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our partners to protect children and hold child sex offenders accountable,” said the FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Our work is driven by the courage of victims, and we stand with them as they seek justice and healing. We are grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in bringing offenders like Walter Sebaste before the court. These crimes cause profound harm, and there is absolutely no place for them in our community.”
On September 19, 2025, Sebaste’s residence in Portland was searched and his electronic devices were seized. Sebaste was in possession of over 1000 images of child sexual abuse material.
On February 19, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Sebaste with possession of child pornography.
On April 30, 2026, Sebaste pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material.
This case was investigated by FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with actual and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and receipt of child sexual abuse material.
Dylan Ford, 29, made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
According to court documents, Ford allegedly exchanged sexually explicit chats, images, and videos with multiple children under the age of 16. He used Telegram, an encrypted chat platform, and disappearing photo apps to begin conversations that would develop into sexual exchanges with the children. As part of their investigation, state and federal investigators obtained a search warrant and searched Ford’s cell phone. Ford’s phone contained numerous conversations with self-described minors in which he enticed the children into sending him custom child sexual abuse material, including instructing specific sexual acts involving the use of household items. Investigators also located a video depicting a distressed, crying minor carrying out various sexual acts. In some of the chats, Ford sent minors a colleague’s social media profile photo in an apparent effort to shield his identity.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office immediately upon becoming aware of the possibility that Ford was engaging in this activity. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office then contacted the FBI to collaborate on the investigation.
Ford was arrested on July 28, 2026, by the FBI.
This case was investigated by the FBI in coordination with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will McLaren.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Venezuelan National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Pleads Guilty to Damaging Government VehicleRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Yesterday, Luis Nino-Moncada, 33, a Venezuelan national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty to felony Depredation of Government Property, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
According to court documents, on January 8, 2026, Nino-Moncada drove into the parking lot of Adventist Health Portland in a red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Nino-Moncada had a female passenger in the truck. After Nino-Moncada parked, a Border Patrol agent parked his government black Hyundai Sonata behind the Toyota Tacoma. Six Border Patrol agents exited their vehicles and surrounded the Toyota Tacoma in an effort to arrest defendant and the female passenger because they were unlawfully in the country. Nino-Moncada believed they were “ICE” agents. Then, Nino-Moncada began forcefully ramming his pickup truck, by backing up and striking the black Hyundai several times. Nino-Moncada’s conduct placed others at risk of serious bodily injury, and Nino-Moncada was conscious of or recklessly disregarded that risk. When Nino-Moncada was ramming into the Hyundai Sonata, a federal officer fired his service weapon at him. The Hyundai Sonata was declared a total loss.
Nino-Moncada faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. As part of the plea agreement, Nino-Moncada has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $24,413.00. He also admitted he is not a U.S. citizen, is present in the United States illegally, and is subject to an order of removal entered by an Immigration Judge in November 2024. He will be sentenced September 16, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (H.S.I.). The United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
Portland Woman Pleads Guilty to Interfering with Federal Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Today Katherine Vogel, 39, pleaded guilty to Interfering with Federal Law Enforcement.
According to court documents, on or about September 30, 2025, Vogel was on the federal property grounds of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Building applying red paint to the ICE facility. Federal law enforcement agents then attempted to arrest Vogel. She failed to comply and forcibly interfered with the lawful direction of the federal officers during the arrest.
On June 22, 2026, Vogel was charged by superseding information with interfering with federal law enforcement and failing to obey a lawful order.
Vogel faces a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and 1 year of probation.
She will be sentenced on October 21, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
The FBI and Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. The U. S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.
Gresham Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement Officer During Weekend Riot Near Local ICE OfficeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— A Gresham, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today after he was charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer during a declared riot near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Ginovanni Joseph Brumbelow, 22, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Brumbelow struck a federal officer in the back of the head with a wooden stake while the officer was arresting another individual during a riot at the ICE facility in South Portland.
On July 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Brumbelow with assault on a federal officer, assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and civil disorder.
Brumbelow faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on October 19, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
As part of the plea agreement, Brumbelow has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victim.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The FBI and Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.
Registered Sex Offender Accused of Possessing Obscene ImagesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Hillsboro, Oregon man with possessing images depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Daniel Bostwick, 69, has been charged with a single count of possession of obscene visual representations of child sex abuse.
According to court documents, Bostwick was on state parole following a previous conviction for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree under Oregon law. Bostwick was subject to device monitoring as a condition of his parole. In April, two sexualized images of children were detected on Bostwick’s cellphone. A subsequent search of Bostwick’s phone and a thumb drive resulted in the recovery of dozens of images depicting the sexual abuse of children, which appeared to have been generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Bostwick made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 3-day jury trial scheduled to begin on September 22, 2026.
If convicted, Bostwick faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of twenty years in federal prison, a term of supervised release of at least five years up to life, and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The FBI and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ontario Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing NarcoticsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—An Ontario, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison last week for distributing methamphetamine.
Cody Bernal Carroll, 31, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and four years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in January 2023, law enforcement learned Carroll was distributing controlled substances. On February 9, 2023, Carroll sold a half a pound of methamphetamine, and, on February 23, 2023, he sold approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine. Pursuant to a search warrant at Carroll’s residence, investigators seized multiple firearms, including machine guns.
On October 5, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Carroll with distribution of methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm.
On March 10, 2025, Carroll pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
ATF and FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force, Ontario Police Department, and Oregon State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa E. LeRitz prosecuted the case.
HSTF Investigation Leads to Indictment for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging Jonathann Uriel Ayala Garcia, 23, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after his involvement in a transnational criminal organization (TCO).
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating a Beaverton-based TCO involved in trafficking methamphetamine, firearms, and cocaine. In June 2026, investigators arrested Ayala Garcia after he arrived to sell narcotics. Investigators searched his vehicle and found approximately 16.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 168.3 grams of heroin.
Ayala Garcia was arraigned in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He pleaded not guilty and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026.
If convicted, Ayala Garcia faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The DEA and ATF are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Hermann is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— A Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison last week for conspiring to distribute over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 800 grams of fentanyl pills.
Carlos Manuel Perez Lopez, 43, was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
“Bulk narcotics distributors like Carlos Manuel Perez Lopez profiteer from the misery of their customers’ addictions,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Multi-agency collaboration and coordination between state and federal authorities are a powerful force multiplier in combatting narcotics traffickers. This investigation is a shining example of how combined federal and state enforcement efforts can thwart drug traffickers’ efforts to poison our community. Drug dealers in Oregon are on notice.”
“Mr. Perez Lopez put profits ahead of human life by distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine into our communities,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA and our partners are relentlessly pursuing those responsible, disrupting the supply chain, and bringing traffickers to justice. Every fentanyl seizure represents lives protected. Through Fentanyl Free America, we remain committed to making our communities safer and building a future free from the threat of fentanyl.”
According to court documents, in September 2024, DEA task force investigators identified Perez Lopez as a large-scale local drug distributor.
On September 13, 2024, after learning Perez Lopez was expecting to receive a drug shipment, investigators followed Perez Lopez to a meeting at a truck stop in Aurora, Oregon, where Perez Lopez met briefly with two men near a blue semi-truck bearing license plates from Mexico and a Texas temporary tag.
Investigators stopped Perez Lopez near Tigard, Oregon. Perez Lopez was the driver and sole occupant of the Camry. Investigators detained Perez Lopez and then searched the car after a drug detecting canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the car. Below is a photo of the drugs that were seized from the trunk:
Inside the Camry, investigators seized over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and 820.4 gross grams of fentanyl pills.
Meanwhile other investigators were following the semi-truck as it traveled northbound on I-5 from the truck stop. Soon after investigators stopped Perez Lopez, the semi-truck left the highway and parked at a public rest stop near Wilsonville, Oregon, barely three miles from the truck stop. The occupants of the semi-truck fled the truck, leaving it running and abandoned at the rest stop. Investigators lawfully searched the cab of the truck where they found and later seized approximately 209.68 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in suitcases. Below is an image of the drugs seized from the semi-truck:
On September 14, 2024, Perez Lopez was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
On April 1, 2026, Perez Lopez pleaded guilty to a superseding information alleging conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DEA, Tigard Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Sherwood Police Department, and the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Maloney.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Prohibited Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison last Thursday for illegal possession of a firearm and illegal reentry.
Ramon Oscar Morales-Valencia, 47, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release. His sentence will run concurrent with his recent Marion County drug possession conviction.
“Illegal possession of firearms and narcotics by prohibited individuals fuels gun violence in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Combatting gun violence is a priority, and my office will pursue those who think they are above the law.”
“As if his illegal reentry into the United States was not enough, Morales-Valencia intentionally chose to further break our nation’s laws by illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “The unlawful possession of firearms and narcotics by prohibited individuals poses a serious threat to the safety of our communities, and ATF will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who endanger our citizens.”
According to court documents, Morales-Valencia was formally removed from the United States in 2010. On April 19, 2025, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies initiated a traffic stop on an SUV Morales-Valencia was driving. He stopped the SUV and stepped from the vehicle, removing a Ruger 9mm pistol from his waistband and setting it on the driver’s seat. Deputies recovered the firearm as well as methamphetamine from the SUV.
Morales-Valencia pleaded guilty in state court to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 29 months. On September 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Morales-Valencia with alien in possession of a firearm and illegal reentry.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Jackson County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Jackson County, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison last Thursday for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Eduardo Cortes Cortes, 28, was sentenced to 67 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in July of 2022, investigators responded to an overdose where the victim was declared deceased with a rolled up dollar bill with crushed pill residue that tested positive for fentanyl. After extensive investigation, Tyren Duarte was determined to be the source of supply to the victim. Law enforcement later identified Cortes Cortes as a source of that fentanyl, and, during a traffic stop involving Cortes Cortes, law enforcement recovered 93 grams of fentanyl pills and 33.66 grams of a fentanyl analogue inside.
On February 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford, Oregon, returned an indictment charging Duarte, Cortes Cortes, and a third co-conspirator with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Duarte previously plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and six years of supervised release on August 19, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, HSI, and the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement (MADGE). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara T. Shaw and John C. Brassell.
MADGE, led by the Medford Police Department works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Jackson County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Medford Police Department, The Central Point Police Department, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and HSI. MADGE is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program.
Four Sentenced After Firearms Investigation Following a Million-Dollar BurglaryRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—The last of four co-defendants was sentenced to federal prison last Friday after burglaries of a home in Coos County, Oregon, and stealing cash, gold, silver coins, and firearms. The following individuals have been sentenced:
- Daniel Knapp, 58, of Port Orford, Oregon, was sentenced last Friday to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release;
- William Travis Cutlip, 41, of Port Orford, was sentenced July 7, 2026, to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release;
- Kyle Vanalstine, 31, of Bandon, Oregon, was sentenced July 7, 2026, to 77 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release; and
- Matthew Knapp, 48, of Ashland, Oregon, was sentenced June 24, 2026, to five years of probation.
According to court documents, a federal firearms investigation began after a significant residential burglary. On Dec. 19, 2023, Matthew Knapp, Daniel Knapp, and Cutlip broke into the vault of a Coos County residence and stole approximately one million dollars in cash, gold, silver coins, and at least one firearm. After returning to one of their residences, Matthew Knapp was seen possessing a stolen pistol. The investigation revealed several messages showing Matthew Knapp’s history with firearms and accessories nine months prior, in March 2023. Matthew Knapp is a felon and prohibited from having a firearm. Matthew Knapp was later convicted of Aggravated Theft I in state court.
Several days later, on Dec. 23, Vanalstine broke into the same vault and stole approximately 40 firearms, including assault rifles, pistols, and at least one silencer and transferred many of them to Cutlip. Several stolen firearms stored at Cutlip’s property were later recovered in California.
On Jan. 5, 2024, law enforcement stopped and searched Vanalstine while he was driving in Curry County, Oregon. In his car, Vanalstine had more than one kilogram of methamphetamine, scales and a loaded pistol. Vanalstine was convicted in state court for the burglary of the residence and for a separate possession of a controlled substance case and was sentenced to prison for both offenses.
On Jan. 9, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Cutlip’s residence in Port Orford and seized a stolen silencer and the assault rifles pictured below:
In January 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Daniel Knapp’s residence and found a .22 revolver, which was unconnected to the burglary. Daniel Knapp is a felon and prohibited from having a firearm.
On Dec. 11, 2024, Cutlip pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic in firearms. He was convicted in state court for burglary.
On Dec. 4, 2025, Vanalstine pleaded guilty to trafficking in firearms and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In February 2026, Matthew Knapp and Daniel Knapp pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was prosecuted by the ATF, FBI, SCINT (South Coos Interagency Narcotics Team), Coos County Sheriff Office, and Oregon State Police, with assistance from Coquille Tribal Police, Bandon Police Department, Coos Bay Police Department and the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sweet.
Mexican National Extradited from Canada Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in the Portland area, the Oregon coast, and Olympia, Washington, leading to the murder of a victim who owed a drug debt.
Fernando Adolip Cruz-Lerma, 25, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $3,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, in April and May 2019, Cruz-Lerma conspired with others to engage in drug trafficking. In April, Cruz-Lerma transported a victim from the state of Washington to Clackamas County due to a drug debt that the victim owed to members of the drug trafficking conspiracy. The victim was killed by members of the drug trafficking conspiracy in furtherance of the conspiracy. Cruz-Lerma assisted with leaving the victim’s body along a rural road in Clackamas County after the victim had been killed.
In May 2019, Cruz-Lerma distributed approximately two pounds of methamphetamine. He returned to Mexico the following month.
In May 2023, Cruz-Lerma’s co-conspirator, Marcos Alonso Castillo-Bernal, was sentenced to 26 years of imprisonment. A few days after that sentencing hearing, Cruz-Lerma flew from Mexico to Calgary, Canada, and was arrested by Canadian authorities on the arrest warrant issued in the District of Oregon.
On June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a superseding indictment charging Cruz-Lerma with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances and distribution of methamphetamine. On April 7, 2026, Cruz-Lerma pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and distributing controlled substances.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the FBI, the Portland Police Bureau, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Violent Crimes Unit. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Canadian authorities to secure the arrest and July 2024 extradition of Cruz-Lerma from Canada.
CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Armenian National Extradited to the United States Pleads Guilty to Ransomware Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— An Armenian national extradited from Ukraine to the United States pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in Ryuk ransomware attacks and an extortion conspiracy targeting companies throughout the United States, including a technology company operating in Oregon.
Karen Serobovich Vardanyan, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and computer fraud.
According to court documents, between November 2019 through April 2020, Vardanyan illegally accessed computer networks of victim companies to deploy Ryuk ransomware on compromised servers and workstations. Ryuk ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt data on a victim's computer or network and prevents the victim from accessing the encrypted files until a ransom is paid.
As part of the scheme, ransom payments were extorted from victim companies in exchange for decryption keys to regain access to their data. A ransom note was placed on the computer systems demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin, a form of cryptocurrency, and provided an email address that victims could use to communicate with the cybercriminals.
Vardanyan worked with his co-conspirators to attack a company in Michigan that paid 200 bitcoin or over $1.1 million at the time of payment to restore access to their network. They also attacked a company in Wilsonville, Oregon, and in February 2020 attacked a school in Texas.
Vardanyan and his co-conspirators illegally accessed computer networks of victim companies and deployed ransomware on hundreds of compromised servers and workstations. Vardanyan and his co-conspirators are alleged to have received approximately 1,610 bitcoins in ransom payments from the victim companies, which was valued at over $15 million at the time of payment.
On Feb. 22, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Vardanyan with conspiracy, computer fraud, and extortion.
Vardanyan faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for conspiracy. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for computer fraud. Vardanyan will be sentenced on Sept. 22. 2026, by a U.S. district court judge.
As part of the plea agreement, Vardanyan has agreed to pay over $1.1 million in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Katherine A. Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Vardanyan’s arrest and extradition from Ukraine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Ukrainian authorities for their assistance in this matter.
Four Colombian Nationals Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to Federal Prison for a Burglary Conspiracy Targeting Asian American Business OwnersRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.— Four Columbian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States were sentenced to federal prison yesterday for a multi-state burglary conspiracy that targeted Asian American business owners in Oregon and Washington. Following the federal hearings, the defendants were also sentenced in their state court cases based on the targeted burglaries.
- Derinson Martinez-Grandas, 34, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison and 10 months in state prison;
- Jhon Alexander Quintero, 45, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and 15 months in state prison;
- Steven Alexander Quiroga-Solano, 28, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and 18 months in state prison; and
- William Estiven Rodriguez-Gaviria, 27, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison and 10 months in state prison.
Each defendant was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit the stolen proceeds as well as the devices used to coordinate the burglaries.
The defendants traveled from California and proceeded through Nevada, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. In Washington and Oregon, they identified burglary victims by using the internet to research potential Asian American targets and their businesses. They stayed in short-term rentals and identified and surveilled their burglary targets, who were all Asian American small business owners. They then performed reconnaissance on the victims’ residences.
When they carried out the burglaries, the defendants employed signal jamming technology, perimeter countersurveillance, and communicated on seven-way group calls. They then entered their victims’ homes by shattering glass doors. Once inside, they ransacked residences, stealing United States and foreign currency, jewelry, designer handbags, purses, wallets, travel documents, and other valuables. After the burglaries, the crew returned to their short-term rental to package the proceeds for transport, transfer, or transmittal back to California and Colombia.
Following a burglary in Salem, Oregon, detectives learned that the defendants returned to their rental in Eugene, Oregon, and executed a search warrant at the rental that night. Investigators recovered money and property, believed to be stolen from the various residences, more than a dozen cell phones, believed to be used by the burglary crew, evidence of money wires to Bogota, Colombia, and various Colombian travel documentation, including passports.
They also located commercial-grade Wi-Fi signal jammers, seen in the image below, that were plugged in and charging following their suspected use during the burglary that day.
A search of their devices revealed additional evidence of the conspiracy, including sending and receiving coordinates for the houses they burglarized, surveillance communications, and shared messages highlighting the burglary targets from the preceding days.
For instance, Martinez-Grandas secured short term rentals for the crew in Auburn, Washington, and Eugene and mapped the address of the Salem home on the day of that burglary.
Quintero researched the value of jewelry the night of a burglary in Auburn and called a Columbian shipping company two days after the Eugene burglary.
Quiroga-Solano researched Chinese restaurants two days before the burglary crew victimized a family owning a Chinese restaurant. He was in the vicinity of a victim’s home in Gresham, Oregon, the night before it was burglarized, which authorities believe was in preparation for the following day’s burglary.
Lastly, Rodriguez-Gaviria sent a message to a co-conspirator with the address of a burglary victim the day the victim was burglarized and posed as a food delivery person at two homes the day they were burglarized.
On November 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging the defendants with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods.
From March through May 2026, Quintero, Rodriguez-Gaviria, Quiroga-Solano, and Martinez-Grandas pleaded guilty to conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eugene Police Department with assistance from the Salem Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, and the Gresham Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren.
Bend Man Pleads Guilty After Armed Robbery at Cannabis DispensaryRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today after robbing a Bend cannabis dispensary.
Russell Ian Boggess, 43, pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on July 23, 2024, Boggess robbed a Bend cannabis dispensary with a .9 mm handgun. During the robbery, Boggess attempted to fire the gun twice, but the gun jammed. A dispensary employee attempted to call the police, but Boggess struck the employee in the head with the firearm and fled the store with the stolen cannabis. Witnesses outside the store were able to subdue Boggess and secure the firearm until law enforcement arrived.
On September 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Boggess with interference with commerce by threats or violence, felon in possession of ammunition, and use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Boggess faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for interference with commerce by robbery. For use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, Boggess faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Boggess will be sentenced on October 7, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The FBI and Bend Police Department are investigating the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Nelson and Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren are prosecuting the case.
Warm Springs Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon, man, was sentenced to federal prison Monday after sexually exploiting a minor victim, recording it, and uploading it online, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Odysseus Japeth Tewee, 20, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on September 23, 2024, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a video containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from Warm Springs. PPB identified Tewee as the suspect and contacted the Warm Springs Police Department (WSPD). Within hours, WSPD and the FBI identified the minor victim, located Tewee, and placed him in custody. Pursuant to a search warrant, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) found over 100 images and 9 videos of CSAM on Tewee’s phone.
On October 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Tewee with sexual exploitation of a child, possession and transportation of child pornography, and sexual abusive contact.
On January 5, 2026, Tewee pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child.
Federal and local law enforcement partners across the state assisted in identifying and apprehending Tewee. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from WSPD, PPB, and DCSO. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pam Paaso prosecuted this case.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Portland Man Charged with Firearm Offenses After Firearms Went Missing at the Portland International AirportRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Terell Wayne Overton, 51, of Portland, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with felon in possession of a firearm and theft of a firearm after multiple victims reported firearms stolen at the Portland International Airport.
According to court documents, in June 2026, the Port of Portland Police began receiving a series of calls from airline passengers traveling through Portland International Airport reporting that their firearms did not arrive at their destinations and were missing. On June 28, 2026, a victim called to report their firearm was stolen, which had an Apple AirTag inside the locked case. Police used the AirTag information, which led them to Overton and a black backpack.
Pursuant to a search warrant, investigators searched the backpack and found a locked handgun case containing the handgun the victim had reported stolen.
Overton made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The FBI, Port of Portland Police, and PDX Task Force are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Charged with Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States has been indicted after investigators seized over 17.5 pounds of narcotics, firearms, and cash, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Baltazar Plata Bringas, 31, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on May 26, 2026, investigators arrested Plata Bringas during a drug deal and found approximately 17 bags of methamphetamine in his car. In total, Plata Bringas had more than 8 kilograms of methamphetamine. Investigators searched Plata Bringas’ residence and found firearms and approximately $25,000.
Plata Bringas was arraigned on June 24, 2026, in federal court, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin is prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Oregon Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Klamath Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Distributing Explosive DevicesRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Klamath Falls, Oregon, man pleaded guilty on Monday for illegally distributing explosive devices, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Jason Edward Lowery, 52, pleaded guilty to distribution of explosives by a non-licensee.
According to court documents, in June 2025, Lowery sold multiple illegal M-type explosive devices at his residence and at his place of business in Klamath Falls. Pursuant to a search warrant at Lowery’s residence, business, and vehicle, investigators seized over 200 homemade explosive devices and materials for constructing more explosives. Police seized a destructive device that had a large amount of explosive powder and nails strapped to it. At Lowery’s residence, police also seized firearms and methamphetamine. Lowery’s phone revealed texts showing he was selling devices to multiple individuals.
On July 17, 2025, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a two-count indictment charging Lowery with distribution of explosives by a non-licensee and manufacture of explosives by a non-licensee.
Lowery faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on October 8, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
As part of the plea agreement, Lowery has agreed to forfeit any criminally-derived proceeds and property used to facilitate his crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Oregon State Police are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith R. Harper is prosecuting the case.
Two Charged in the District of Oregon as Part of the National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced criminal charges against two defendants in connection with various schemes to defraud Medicare, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Veterans Health Administration, and private insurance companies. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“Health care fraud inflates costs, restricts access to critical services, and siphons taxpayer dollars from senior citizens, people with disabilities, low-income families, veterans, and others who rely on these federal programs,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Strong coordination among local, state, national, and international partners is essential to protecting the integrity of our health care system and ensuring those who exploit it are held accountable.”
“Every dollar saved by investigating fraud helps ensure VA programs remain sustainable for the veterans who depend on them,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Western Pacific Field Office (“VA OIG”). “The VA OIG is committed to investigating those who exploit VA programs and thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for their collaboration to identify, investigate, and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.”
The following individuals were charged in the District of Oregon:
- Jahangeer Ali, 34, a citizen of Pakistan, was charged by information with health care fraud. As alleged in court documents, Ali owned Oregon Clinical Laboratory, a company that submitted fraudulent claims of genetic testing to Medicare Advantage plans resulting in a loss of over $15 million. The beneficiaries and physicians listed on the fraudulent claims had never heard of Oregon Clinical Laboratory and the genetic testing was never provided. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Ho and Bryan Chinwuba.
- Mehrdad Gerami, 67, of Coos Bay, Oregon, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with medical sleep study testing resulting in a loss of at least $2,124,363.41. As alleged in the information, Gerami owned and operated Coastal Diagnostic Testing Group and Coastal Diagnostic, both of which engaged in submitting fraudulent claims to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Veterans Health Administration, and private insurance companies for sleep tests allegedly conducted in office when, in fact, they were conducted either at home or not at all. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh.
The charges are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The District of Oregon worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: HHS-OIG, the FBI, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Beaverton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Beaverton, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison last Wednesday for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
Roberto Ochoa-Vergara, 29, was sentenced to a total of 120 months in federal prison and a total of four years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on February 7, 2025, Ochoa-Vergara and a co-conspirator sold 128 grams of fentanyl out of the trunk of Ochoa-Vergara’s car. On March 5, 2025, Ochoa-Vergara sold almost 400 grams of fentanyl and a pistol.
On March 7, 2025, a Hillsboro Police Department officer found Ochoa-Vergara unconscious, slumped over while sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle partially blocking the road. A search of Ochoa-Vergara and the vehicle revealed over $10,000 in cash, three bags totaling over 300 grams of fentanyl powder, and small bags containing cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Pursuant to a search warrant of Ochoa-Vergara’s residence, investigators found a pistol and over one kilogram of fentanyl powder.
On March 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Ochoa-Vergara with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm. On April 2, 2026, Ochoa-Vergara pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and felon in possession of a firearm.
On August 12, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned another indictment charging Ochoa-Vergara, along with his co-conspirators, with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and felon in possession of a firearm.
On April 2, 2026, Ochoa-Vergara pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment charging possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated these cases, with assistance from the Hillsboro Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Bockelman prosecuted the cases.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Senior Member of the Hoover Gang Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gresham, Oregon, man was sentenced to over eight years in federal prison yesterday for illegally possessing firearms as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Shakor Shovontae Ray Holiday, 32, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.
“The unlawful possession of firearms fuels gun violence and puts communities at risk. This case sends a clear message that those who choose to illegally possess and flaunt firearms—whether online or in our neighborhoods—will face federal prosecution,” said the U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “We will continue to combat gun violence, prosecute offenders, and safeguard communities across Oregon.”
“This sentencing is an example of the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners to make our communities safer,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue felons in possession of firearms.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is focused on making our communities safer, and helping take a felon off the streets for possessing firearms illegally is one of the ways we do that,” said Acting Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “Working with our federal, state and local partners, we will do everything we can to make our streets more secure.”
According to court documents, on May 31, 2023, Holiday, a senior member of the Hoover Gang who goes by “Dute Fly,” posted a video of himself holding an AR rifle on social media. On June 2, 2023, Holiday posted another video on social media with the same firearm. Pursuant to a search warrant at Holiday’s residence, investigators found two firearms, one being the AR rifle used in his social media posts. The other firearm was connected to a shooting in Beaverton, Oregon, on June 21, 2023, the night before investigators executed the search warrant, although there was not enough conclusive evidence to identify Holiday as the shooter.
On July 13, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Holiday with one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Holiday pleaded guilty on January 13, 2026.
The FBI, HSI, the Portland Police Bureau, and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by the Gresham Police Department. U.S. Attorneys Lewis Burkhart and Leah Bolstad prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Washington State Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Conviction for Escaping from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Washington state man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday after a jury found him guilty of escape after failing to report to the Northwest Regional Re-entry Center (NWRRC) in Portland.
Brandon Charles Nelson, 40, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Nelson was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 36 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release. On Feb. 25, 2025, after violating his release conditions for a third time, Nelson’s supervision was revoked, and he was sentenced to 12 months in prison and 18 months of supervised release. While in custody at Victorville Federal Corrections Institute (FCI), Nelson met criteria for placement in a residential re-entry center and was referred to the NWRRC. Rather than report as required, Nelson absconded. The USMS arrested him on Dec. 5, 2025.
On Dec. 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Nelson with escape from custody.
On Feb. 25, 2026, following a two-day trial, a jury convicted Nelson with one count of escape from custody.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The USMS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin Heinz prosecuted the case.
Corvallis Man Sentenced to Almost 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Corvallis, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and for violating his supervised release on a prior federal case, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Blaine Garrett Reposa, 41, was sentenced to a total of 234 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.
“This repeat offender has continued to exploit and victimize children who have already endured profound abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who prey on children will be held accountable.”
“Today’s sentence is representative of the FBI and our partners’ commitment to pursuing child sex offenders through investigative tenacity and teamwork,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “We work tirelessly with our partners, as we did here with the Corvallis Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, to bring offenders like Blaine Reposa to justice, and to give victims an opportunity to heal. These types of crimes have no place in our community.”
According to court documents, a search warrant was executed at Reposa’s residence in October 2024 after the Corvallis Police Department learned that Reposa was uploading CSAM. Detectives seized multiple devices from Reposa’s residence. One smartphone contained more than 6,000 images and more than 2,500 videos of CSAM, mostly of male minors, including infants and toddlers. Another smartphone revealed additional evidence with searches for CSAM, more than 300 images, and 20 videos of CSAM.
Between May and July 2024, Reposa sent CSAM to nine different users on Session, a messaging platform. In October 2024, Reposa sent a Telegram user almost 40 videos of CSAM.
On September 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Reposa with distribution of child pornography.
On March 10, 2026, Reposa pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment charging distribution of child pornography.
The FBI and Corvallis Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet prosecuted the case.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Complaint Filed Seeking to Revoke the Naturalization of Indian NationalRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Yesterday, the District of Oregon filed a civil denaturalization complaint against a native of India who illegally procured his citizenship by lying about his identity and immigration history.
According to court documents, Jaswinder Singh, a.k.a. Balwinder Singh, 54, applied for an immigration benefit in August 1990 under the name Balwinder Singh. In November 1990 an immigration judge denied the application and ordered Singh to be deported from the United States. After unsuccessfully appealing, Singh was ordered to surrender in July 1993, but failed to do so.
In November 1994, using a second identity, Jaswinder Singh, Singh filed a second application for an immigration benefit. Singh provided a different identity, date of birth, and date of entry to the United States. In August 2003, an immigration judge issued an order granting Singh’s application. After certifying under penalty of perjury the information provided was true, Singh became a permanent resident.
Singh signed his naturalization application under penalty of perjury certifying that the application and the evidence submitted with it were all true and correct and on June 3, 2013, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approved the naturalization application.
The complaint charges Singh with illegal procurement of naturalization because he was not lawfully admitted for permanent resident status and because he provided false testimony in his naturalization interview. The complaint also charges that Singh procured citizenship through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. The Immigration and Nationality Act requires the U.S. District Court to revoke Singh’s naturalization if it finds him liable on any of the charges.
The case is being investigated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security.
The claims in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.